How Long Can A Concussion Last After A Car Accident?

Concussions– and head wounds in general– are severe injuries that can happen even in a low-speed car accident. Though car manufacturers have made great leaps and bounds in developing safety technologies, the safest feature, the seatbelt, is only designed to protect your torso. This leaves your head extremely vulnerable during a crash situation, and even when your airbags deploy, injuries often still occur.

Symptoms of head injuries can last a long time. Let’s take a closer look at the long term effects of one of the most common head injuries– the concussion.

Concussion Duration

The long-term effects of a concussion depends on its severity. Normally concussions are graded on a three-point scale:
Grade I concussions are considered to be mild, non-threatening
Grade II concussions are considered moderate
Grade III concussions are considered to be severe, mandating immediate medical attention.

Most people who suffer a concussion of grade I or II notice that the symptoms resolve by themselves within one to two weeks. Severe concussion symptoms, however, can linger for several months.

Symptoms and Severity

If you have been in a car accident and believe you have suffered a concussion, you should speak with one of our physicians immediately, especially if you begin experiencing symptoms. Many believe that you can only suffer a concussion if you have been knocked unconscious during the accident, but this is not true. If you do not get checked, symptoms can worsen dramatically and extend the healing process. Some symptoms to watch out for include:

While broken bones eventually heal over time, symptoms of a concussion can linger if you return to your normal activities like work or school too quickly. In order to ensure a full recovery, one of our doctors will examine your brain using MRI. This allows them to see any chemical or physical changes worth addressing.

Once you are diagnosed, your doctor will prescribe a course of rest, as well as cognitive & physical therapy and possibly even medication. In the case of severe concussions, you cannot expect your symptoms to be resolved within a couple of days. Sensitivity to light and headaches can persist for months, but if you stick to your rehabilitation plan and ease your way back into work and physical activity, you will notice a lessening of symptoms. If these symptoms continue after continued rehab, we encourage you to speak with your doctor as it could be a sign of a more serious injury which could require extra attention.

If you have any questions regarding our treatments, or believe you have suffered from a head injury or concussion, please fill out our contact form, or call our offices directly at 786 201 8503.